The Graduate Theological Union founded the Program for the Study of New Religious Movements in America, 1977, Jacob Needleman, director. In 1980 the name changed to the Center for the Study of New Religious Movements. The Center's purpose was the academic study of the growing alternative religions in the United States at that time. They sponsored conferences, seminars, and forums, and brought individual researchers to Berkeley to study and write research papers. They cooperated with the Graduate Theological Union Library to develop a resource library. The Center was closed in 1983. At various times, Dick Anthony, James McBride, Paul Anthony Schwartz, and Thomas Robbins served as staff and researchers at the Center.
From the description of Center for the Study of New Religious Movements Collection, 1977-1983 / [Center for the Study of New Religious Movements, Graduate Theological Union]. (Graduate Theological Union). WorldCat record id: 48213976
